Taking care of our sexual health means having a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life with the freedom to decide if and when we want to have children. This means having access to and using safe, effective, affordable methods of contraception correctly to avoid sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
Use the menu on the left to learn more about where to go to be checked for STIs, get free contraception, how to deal with unwanted pregnancies and what to do if you are sexually assaulted.
Getting checked for sexually transmitted infections is simple and can prevent health complications for you and your sexual partners.
RU Clear? Chlamydia and Gonorrohea testing
1 in 10 sexually active young people have Chlamydia.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are easily treatable with antibiotics and treatment is free. Getting tested and treated for Chlamydia is quick, easy and free. RU Clear is a Greater Manchester-wide service set up to tackle high rates of Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection in the 15 - 24 age group.
Chlamydia testing is easy and confidential - you just pee in a pot and there's no need to be examined. You can get a FREE test sent to you in the post by ordering online or by texting texting the word TEST, your age, name and address to 84010. Testing is also available at contraceptive clinics, young people's clinics, walk in centres, pharmacies, GPs and a growing number of other venues.
You can choose how you get your results. Once you have taken your test, it will take no more than two weeks to get your results back. Most people choose to get thier results by phone or text.
It's really important to get tested every time you have a new sexual partner and routinely once a year. Condoms are the best defence against sexual transmitted infections – always use a condom.
For more information, visit the RU Clear website or call 0845 330 6363.
Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and if you want to have a baby, but they don’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
To prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) we recommend practising safer sex by using condoms, especially with a new partner.
A range of contraceptives are available and are free for all ages. Some of these are the new ‘fit and forget’ contraceptives. These contraceptives last over a year and once they are removed, fertility quickly returns back to normal.
To find out more about contraceptive choices, visit the FPA website.
Find out where your nearest contraception clinic . The full range of contraception is not available at each clinic so it’s a good idea to ring in advance if there is something specific you want.
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For women in Greater Manchester who want an abortion, please use the telephone numbers below to ring to make an appointment. Appointments are confidential.
Ashton: 0845 371 0179
Bolton: 0845 371 0179
Bury: 0845 365 0565
Heywood: 0845 365 0565
Leigh: 0845 371 0179
Manchester: 0845 365 0565
Middleton: 0845 365 0565
Oldham: 0845 365 0565
Rochdale: 0845 365 0565
Salford: Please book through your GP
Stockport: Please book through your GP
Trafford: book through your GP or ring 0845 365 0565 and they will direct you to the right place
Wigan: 0845 371 0179
Tameside: 0845 345 0161
Glossop: 0845 345 0161
About 3000 people in Greater Manchester have HIV.
HIV is a disease that attacks the immune system and there is no known cure but medication can help HIV+ people stay well. HIV does not discriminate – gay, straight and bisexual people can get HIV.
Always use a condom to prevent infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and if you think you have been at risk, have an HIV test.
Tests and treatment are free and confidential.
Find your nearest clinic.
All pregnant women are offered an HIV test. If you are pregnant, take the test. If you find out you are HIV positive, medication can stop your baby catching HIV from you.
Sadly, there are times when men, women or children are sexually assaulted in our area.
There is a sexual assault referral centre at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. You can also call 0161 276 6515 to talk to someone if you have been attacked.
